Question 1: Write a short, one paragraph synopsis for each of your four favourite product designs.

Answer:
Self-Cleaning Paint:
A self-cleaning paint coating that was inspired by the hydrophobic surface of lotus leaves. It was designed by a German company.

Designed by a German company STO, the water repellant paint is self-cleaning because water washes away any dirt. The product was inspired by the hydrophobic surface of lotus leaves

Sonar-Enabled Cane:
A bat inspired sonar walking stick to better aid visually impaired people sense their surrounding.

Self-Healing Pipelines:
Designed in Scotland, self-healing pipelines basically uses artificial platelets, which was inspired by the way blood clots when we get cut. The platelets are small pieces of polymeric or elastomeric material. These platelets are introduced into the pipeline which carry go down the pipe toward the leak (with the help of the flow of the fluid). Pressure force the fluid out of the leak causing platelets to rupture and clog up the escaping fluid.


Question 2: Write three paragraphs defining how, according to Janine Benyus, "the simple, elegant mechanics developed by nature often make sense in a human context, too".

Answer:

Janine Benyus, a specialist in natural science dedicated her worklife in the evolution of biomimicry. Janine helped create the fundamental design of sustainable items, policies and procedures and processes that will help with the everyday aspect of life.

She says that the natural elements and mechanisms of nature are capable of being applied in human context. Janine has used elements of nature, living organisms, that help create and be a part of new innovations in the creation of products and product design. Many organizations have gone green with this concept and are seen as the leading edge of manufacturers. The concept helps create a safer, more healthier and cleaner environment to live in.

Janine’s hypothesis of nature being a helpful hand in our everyday lives is clear and coherent. We are capable of using the magic of nature into designing such great products in a safe, efficient way. The effort of having to deal with this concept in a healthier way is being appreciated by many companies and has the ears of many others as well.